Branding Terror - by Artur Beifuss & Francesco Trivini Bellini (Hardcover)

About the Book

Terrorist groups are no different from other organizations in their use of branding to promote their ideas and to distinguish themselves from groups that share similar aims. The branding they employ may contain complex systems of meaning and emotion; it conveys the group's beliefs and capabilities. Branding Terror is the first comprehensive survey of the visual identity of the world's major terrorist organizations, from al-Qaeda and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine to the Tamil Tigers. Each of the 60-plus entries contains a concise description of the group's ideology, leadership, and modus operandi, and a brief timeline of events. The group's branding -- the symbolism, colors, and typography of its logo and flag -- is then analyzed in detail. Branding Terror does not seek to make any political statements; rather, it offers insight into an understudied area of counter-intelligence, and provides an original and provocative source of inspiration for graphic designers.

Book Synopsis

Terrorist groups are no different from other organizations in their use of branding to promote their ideas and to distinguish themselves from groups that share similar aims. The branding they employ may contain complex systems of meaning and emotion; it conveys the group's beliefs and capabilities.

Branding Terror is the first comprehensive survey of the visual identity of the world's major terrorist organizations, from al-Qaeda and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine to the Tamil Tigers. Each of the 60-plus entries contains a concise description of the group's ideology, leadership, and modus operandi, and a brief timeline of events. The group's branding -- the symbolism, colors, and typography of its logo and flag -- is then analyzed in detail.

Branding Terror does not seek to make any political statements; rather, it offers insight into an understudied area of counter-intelligence, and provides an original and provocative source of inspiration for graphic designers.

About the Author

ARTUR BEIFUSS works for the United Nations as a counter-terrorism analyst.

FRANCESCO TRIVINI BELLINI is a graphic designer who has created the branding identity of various companies and cultural institutions.

STEVEN HELLER, former Art Director at the New York Times, is the author or co-author of more than 120 books on design and popular culture.